South Africa floods: Death toll rises to 37

The death toll following devastating floods in Mpumalanga and Limpopo has reached 37, as heavy rainfall continues to batter the northern provinces of South Africa, prompting the declaration of a national disaster by the federal government on Monday.

Authorities confirmed that 20 fatalities have been recorded in Mpumalanga, while 17 people have died in Limpopo, where drowning incidents continue to emerge from the Phalaborwa, Giyani, and Thohoyandou areas.

The South African government has officially declared a national state of disaster in response to the crisis, state broadcaster SABC reports.

Limpopo Disaster Management Centre spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi stated the province welcomes this classification, which follows severe damage to homes, roads, and bridges across the Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg, and Sekhukhune districts. MEC Basikopo Makamu expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and extended condolences to the affected families.

Rising casualties

“MEC Basikopo Makamu has expressed his sadness on the rising of the number of fatalities since the beginning of the severe weather conditions that have mainly affected Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg and some parts of Sekhukhune Districts in the Limpopo Province,” Makamu said in a statement.

The floods have significantly disrupted the 2026 academic year. Many schools in the affected regions were unable to open alongside other inland schools last week.

According to Education Department spokesperson Mike Maringa, a phased return to school is planned for this week.

Teachers are expected to report for duty on Monday, January 19, to assess the structural safety of facilities, while learners are scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 20. Maringa emphasized that staff and students should only travel if it is safe to do so without risking their lives.

Substantial damage

In Mpumalanga, provincial authorities estimate that at least R2 billion is needed to repair the extensive damage caused by persistent rainfall. Reports indicate that more than 1,500 houses have been badly damaged or destroyed.

In the Nkomazi region, residents like Xolani Molimi have been left homeless after their dwellings collapsed, resulting in the loss of vital documents and personal belongings.

In the village of Mekemeke, residents remain isolated due to waterlogged terrain, with some reportedly unable to access food or local shops due to impassable roads.

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu visited affected villages in Nkomazi and welcomed the National Disaster Management Centre’s intervention.

The Premier noted that the province’s internal budget would be insufficient to address the scale of the destruction and confirmed that the national government has pledged support.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit the flood-stricken communities in Mpumalanga on Monday to conduct a direct assessment of the damage.